Driving finance innovation with Microsoft Dynamics 365

Les Mills is a global fitness company that delivers science-backed group workouts, immersive digital fitness solutions and programs with proven results.

To support their rapid global expansion, the company sought to modernize and consolidate fragmented systems. Finance teams relied on Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 running on an outdated on‑premises infrastructure with manual, paper‑based workflows. Manual payment processing across multiple providers led to inconsistent reporting, causing delays, missed details and reconciliation issues. Additionally, subscription billing and revenue recognition were managed outside the system, raising the risk of errors and unfavorable audits.

All these inefficiencies—and dissatisfaction—increased as the company’s user base grew after franchise acquisitions. Les Mills saw the urgent need for a scalable, cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to standardize global finance, improve compliance management and drive efficiency.

As a result of their finance systems transformation, Les Mills achieved strong operational and financial results.

• Transitioning the management of their on‑premises Microsoft Dynamics AX 2009 to IBM delivered nearly 50% cost savings and optimized licensing options.
  
  
• Implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 with standardized functions simplified deployments, reduced total cost of ownership and boosted efficiency across global operations.
  
  
• Automating subscription billing, revenue recognition and bank reconciliation processes with automated statement imports cut processing time by up to 70%, accelerated month‑end close, and improved accuracy and compliance management.
  
  
• Enabling real‑time reporting gave instant financial visibility to cost centers, strengthened controls and reduced manual work.
  
  
• Streamlining financial close processes improved operational agility and led to 50% efficiency in month-end postings.
  
  
• Minimizing reconciliation complexity reduced intracompany accounting effort by 50% and enhanced intercompany transparency.
  
  
• Accelerating revenue operations through Revenue Services Automation within LM+ improved resource utilization and delivered 50% time savings.

Supported by IBM’s expertise and automation‑led approach, Les Mills now operates with greater agility, scalability and confidence to drive ongoing innovation and growth.

Les Millsis a global fitness company partnering with more than 20,000 clubs worldwide. They deliver science-backed group workouts, immersive digital fitness solutions and iconic programs such as BODYPUMP and BODYCOMBAT. With a mission to create a fitter planet, Les Mills combines music, movement and technology to inspire millions globally.